The changing of the seasons is a significant time in Vermont. We havemany “leaf peepers” invade Vermont as the forests take on their colorfulautumn quilting. Proprietors of village inns and B & B’s gladlywelcome the ‘flatlanders” and their credit cards. We appreciate the vitalautumn economy, even if we stay off of the usual byways to avoidweekend traffic.

Many find this a favorite time of year with its crisp air and coolertemperatures. Somehow, thoughts of the impeding winter are held atbay with school schedules ramping up and our local college campusesbustling with swarms of students.

The rhythm of the ebb and flow of seasons is not just a meteorologicalphenomenon but is also a metaphor of life. I have always been touchedby the poignant lyrics of “Try to Remember” from the Broadway show,“The Fantasticks”. This is an expression of the richness of the seasonsof our lives, and how we often fail to fully appreciate them as weexperience them . These life seasons are made richest by those withwhom we share our journeys, those who populate our everyday lives,coloring its tapestry with love, laughter, tenderness and warmth.

Deep in December, it's nice to remember,Although you know the snow will follow.Deep in December, it's nice to remember,Without a hurt the heart is hollow.Deep in December, it's nice to remember,The fire of September that made us mellow.Deep in December, our hearts should rememberAnd follow. Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow.

Over the years of my connection with All Saints, many as a supplypriest and now as your rector, I have always been moved by the deeprichness of this congregation’s life together. As autumn gives way towinter, with the falling of the leaves, so too, at All Saints, over time, wehave experienced seasons of the falling away of many colorfulmembers. When each one has died, we have been cast into a winter ofgrief .

Such is our present emotional season, a winter ofgrief, for, just a few days ago, we lost one of themost colorful of our parish. For many years, evendecades, Marylou Sutherland helped fashion theidentity of All Saints Church as “the church that putson the plays”. Saints of the Month ‘mysteriously’also showed up at Sunday worship for many years.The music, clever lyrics, and Biblical teaching, werepart of the personality of this congregation. Thewords flowed from Marylou’s imagination and penand the show tunes from her fingertips.

The song from the Fantasticks goes on to remind usthat “Deep in December, it’s nice to remember,Without a hurt the heart is hollow.” Our heartscertainly are not hollow, but, we do hurt more than abit, as we remember Marylou..

Again, the song tells us, “Deep in December, ourhearts should remember and follow, follow, follow,follow.” Marylou faithfully followed here Lord withrhyme and rhythm all of her good life long. Follow.Follow. Marylou’s faithful following has led her atlast to the embrace of a loving God.

And if we follow Marylou’s good example, we toowill find ourselves welcomed through the gates ofheaven. But I suspect it might go like this:;

As you approach the “pearly gates” you hear showtunes wafting throughout the heavens. You aregreeted at the gates by an archangel.

“Sorry”, he says. “St. Peter asked me to give hisapologies, but he’s tied up at the rehearsal ofMarylou’s next play. He’s playing Jesus. But don’tworry, she’s saved a part for you.

Come along, follow me, she’s so eager to see you!”Follow. Follow.

(Preached, in part, as the homily at the requiemEucharist for Marylou Sutherland, October 2, 2013)David+